The pitching isn't bad, either. Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez and right-hander EdinsonVolquez highlight the starting pitching. And if the Dominican Republic heads into the later innings with the lead, it can lock down the game with relievers Fernando Rodney, Santiago Casilla and the ageless Octavio Dotel.

On the other hand, the starting pitching is a weakness, and that could doom the PuertoRicans when all is said and done.

Spain is a newcomer this year. Many aren't expecting the squad to do much. The Spaniards sport only four current major leaguers (Rhiner Cruz, Fernando Martinez, Paco Rodriguez, Engel Beltre) and none of them stand out.

Pool D

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Teams: USA, Mexico, Canada, Italy

Favorites: USA, Canada

USA is simply loaded this year (like it is every year in the World Baseball Classic). The Americans sport 15 All-Stars, three MVPs and one Cy Young Award winner (Mark Teixeira withdrew from the tournament).

The position players include: 2009 American League MVP Joe Mauer; infielders David Wright, Brandon Phillips, 2007 National League MVP Jimmy Rollins and Ben Zobrist; and outfielders 2011 National League MVP Ryan Braun, Giancarlo Stanton, Adam Jones and Shane Victorino.

Of course, USA also comes complete with 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, as well as starting pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Vogelsong.

Who do you like better in Pool D?

Who do you like better in Pool D?

Canada

Mexico

70.6%

Total votes: 17

Canada sports position players such as Joey Votto, Justin Morneau and Brett Lawrie, but those players will have to carry an otherwise mediocre squad to advance to the next round.

I actually like Mexico better. Not only does the squad boast four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner Adrian Gonzalez, it also has speed with second baseman Danny Espinosa and pitching with right-handers YovaniGallardo and Miguel Gonzalez and relievers Sergio Romo, David Hernandez and Oliver Perez.

Italy, like Spain, is basically an afterthought this year. Young first baseman Anthony Rizzo is a solid player, but beyond outfielder Chris Denorfia and reliever Jason Grilli, there isn't much support there.